Series 3 > Letters of James the Fourth, 1505-1513

70 LETTERS OF JAMES IV [1507
in a king to go to war for a grave and public offence than
from lust of power or greed, which have very often been
fatal to victory.1 As a matter of fact he had found him¬
self deeply concerned in the support given by Liibeck to
the rebellious Swedes, though Lubeck uses unconvincing
arguments to show that the charge is not just. To clear
himself, John is compelled—and James will approve his
intention to make him acquainted with Denmark’s point
of view through his own emissaries—to detain these envoys
a little longer for an early diet with the men of Lubeck to
be held in Denmark, so that they may be able to give
James an exact account of the issues involved. He sends
his best wishes to James, to whom he is much indebted,
and to his consort. H.
104. James IV to O'Donnel, [Stirling, April 22, 1507].
N.L. 172 ; b.m. 42 ; G. 240.
Aeneas Makdonall duly delivered at Stirling, on April 20,
the letters dated from Donegal on March 13. James is
very glad to have this evidence of an inherited regard :
O’Donnel’s father in person pledged his great loyalty to
the King, and preserved it. If O’Donnel had come, he
would have had as friendly a reception. His successful
pacification is good news, and a visit will be welcome. As
to the request for four thousand men on May 1, under
John, son of Alexander McHean, there should have been
much longer notice. The memory of his father justifies
assistance, if only the cause is just. James would like
to know who are the enemies and what is at stake. With
reference to prohibition of Clandonell, James’s men will
not act without consulting him, and will certainly not
oppose his subject (nostrum subditum) O’Donnel, or they
will suffer for it. He is grateful for the advice about leaving
Scotland. The report need not disturb O’Donnel: such
1 Gairdner’s text should read que sepissime male partam removere
victoriam. H.